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Dr. Bob Scott’s birthday bash

Dr. Robert Scott (in traditional kilt) with Al Brisco, a member of the Rotary Club of Colborne, Ontario, Canada, during the celebration.

By Dave Andrews, public relations chair for District 7070 (Ontario, Canada)

More than 200 Rotarians and guests from around the world attended a black tie dinner 31 May in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, to wish Dr. Bob Scott a happy birthday and honor him for a “Life of Greatness” in his never-ending commitment to the children of the world to eradicate polio, forever.

The event, organized and chaired by our past district governor and current Foundation committee chair, was a major highlight for District 7070 (southern Ontario), and a tremendous success. Over US$200,000 was raised for The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus campaign.

In true Scottish fashion, Piper Mark Gordon piped in Dr. Scott, who wore his traditional Scottish kilt. Rotarians and guests met old friends and made new ones during the cocktail hour, which was followed by a magnificent dinner.

Throughout the evening, Cobourg Rotarian Shirley Johnson read congratulatory messages including letters from Bill and Melinda Gates, UNICEF, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the premier of the Province of Ontario, members of federal and provincial parliament, and the city of Cobourg. A message from Rotary International staff in Evanston, Illinois, announced they had made a donation to PolioPlus in Bob’s name as a tribute to his work to end polio and in honor of his 80th birthday.

Dr. Scott, chair of the International PolioPlus Committee and a former Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair, received many awards during the evening. He was presented the Caring Canadian Award from Canadian Governor General David Johnston. The award was created in 1995 by then governor general Romeo Leblanc, who was determined to thank the thousands of caring people who give so much to their fellow citizens asking nothing in return. The award recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to help others and to build a smarter and more caring nation. The award also highlights the fine example set by these volunteers, whose compassion and engagement are so much a part of our Canadian character. And that truly is Dr. Robert Stewart Scott.

Dr. Scott was accompanied by his wife Ann, children, and eight grandchildren. They received warm wishes and congratulations from many dignitaries including: then RI President Sakuji Tanaka; then RI President-elect Ron Burton, who was a district governor the same year as Scott in 1988; then Trustee Chair and past RI President Wilfrid Wilkinson; RI Director Bryn Styles; Ted Koziel, then governor of District 7070; and Morgan Hubbel, past president of the Rotary Club of Cobourg.

Bob Wallace, past governor of District 7070, introduced Dr. Scott who then thanked his many friends and fellow Rotarians, and in particular, his wife Ann for her love, support and leadership for so many years. Dr. Scott then presented Bill Patchett with the International “Service Award For a Polio Free World,” an award established by The Rotary Foundation Trustees to recognize outstanding contributions to polio eradication by Rotarians. Only ten such awards were given out this year. Patchett is most deserving for his many years of service to The Rotary Foundation and its goals.

Many thanks to all who attended from far places from Cobourg and to the many who donated yet again to Polio Plus. Every donation will be doubled under the new agreement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation